The musical — inspired by the Depression-era Frank Capra film about the wisdom of the common man (and his power inspire) — has music by Andrew Gerle, lyrics by Eddie Sugarman, book by Andrew Gerle and Eddie Sugarman and additional story by Matt August. Eric Schaeffer directs.
"Ford's is thrilled to extend performances of this production," stated producing director Paul Tetreault. "Audiences have embraced this musical's contemporary themes, and the message of one person's ability to make an impact on their community is just as powerful today as it was in the 1930s."
April 29 was originally announced as the show's closing date at the historic D.C. theatre.
The hero is a fictitious character, John Doe, who is created out of a reporter's struggle to save her job. The "made up" John Doe's opinions and editorials "resonate powerfully across the country leading his creator to hire a real man to literally embody the idea of this growing icon," according to production notes. "As powerful forces attempt to use Doe for their own political gain, our hero finds his voice by appealing to the best in human nature."
The cast includes [title of show] actress Heidi Blickenstaff (as Ann Mitchell), James Moye (as John Willoughby — the title character), Tony Award nominee Joel Blum (as Colonel), and Broadway actors Guy Paul and Patrick Ryan Sullivan and local performer (and Helen Hayes Award winner) Stephen Gregory Smith. The ensemble cast includes Christopher Bloch, Suzanne Briar, Michael Bunce, Evan Casey, Daniel Cohen, Danielle Eden, Eleasha Gamble, Channez McQuay, Amy McWilliams, Tracy Lynn Olivera, and Thomas Adrian Simpson.
The creative team also includes Karma Camp (musical staging), Jamie Schmidt (music director), Derek McLane (set designer), Rui Rita (lighting designer), Alejo Vietti (costume designer), David Budries (sound designer), Cookie Jordan (wig and hair designer) and David Leong (fight director).
Orchestrations are by Jonathan Tunick.
For more information, visit www.fordstheatre.org.
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This is the second major regional production of Meet John Doe this season. It had an earlier test in November 2006 in a production by Goodspeed Musicals at the Norma Terris Theatre in Connecticut. That staging was not open to critics, and some changes were made to the cast and creative team between engagements.
